>From WA Dept of Health

For Immediate Release: October 2, 2002
(02-159)

Contacts: Jack Lilja, West Nile virus surveillance program manager
360-236-3366
Donn Moyer, Communications Office
360-236-4076

Dead bird surveillance work detects West Nile virus in Washington

OLYMPIA ? West Nile virus (WNV) has been detected in a dead raven collected
near Newport, Washington. Testing at the National Wildlife Health Center
Laboratory in Madison, Wisconsin confirmed the virus. This is the first WNV
detection in Washington, according to the state Department of Health. There
have been no human cases of WNV acquired in the state.
"West Nile virus is moving west and has already been detected in other
western states, so we have been expecting it to arrive in Washington," said
Jack Lilja, West Nile virus surveillance program manager. "We have a good
surveillance system in place, and it worked."
The raven was collected in Pend Oreille County and submitted by the
Northeast Tri County Health District as part of the Washington Department of
Health dead bird surveillance program. Many local and state agencies as well
as private volunteer groups are participating in the surveillance work.
"The risk of West Nile illness is low, and taking precautions to protect
against mosquito bites can help you reduce that risk," said Lilja. Simple
measures may help reduce the risk of exposure to mosquitoes that transmit
West Nile virus:
? Be cautious during outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are
most active.
? Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when in mosquito-infested areas.
? Use mosquito repellents containing DEET; follow the directions on the
container.
? Screen all doors and windows.
? Get rid of old tires and other containers around your home where water can
accumulate and serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Lilja encouraged people to continue reporting dead birds to their local
health departments for possible testing so the state health department can
track the spread of WNV in Washington.
West Nile virus is primarily a bird disease, and crows are especially
susceptible. Mosquitoes become infected by feeding on an infected bird and
can pass the virus to humans, horses or other hosts when they bite. There
have been no human or horse cases of West Nile virus reported in Washington.
Nationwide, 43 states have detected the virus and 2,477 confirmed human
cases have been reported.
Most people who become infected with West Nile virus don't get sick. Some
may develop mild flu-like symptoms, and in rare cases, WNV may cause
encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain. More information on West Nile
virus is available on the Department of Health Web site. The Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention Web site also has WNV information.
The Department of Health West Nile virus surveillance program is working
with local health agencies and other state agencies, including the
Departments of Agriculture, Ecology, and Fish and Wildlife on WNV
surveillance, planning and prevention.
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Kevin Li
Ballard, USA
kdli at msn.com